Cover of Boy Number 32 by Venita Coelho

Boy Number 32

by Venita Coelho

Boy Number 32 is a brisk, edge-of-your-seat thriller set in Mumbai, following Battees, an orphan who must sift through the chaos after an explosion destroys the home he loves. The story blends mystery, danger, and courage as Battees teams up with a silent companion named Goongi, who cannot speak. This taut adventure is ideal for middle-grade readers and older who crave fast-paced suspense with heart, grit, and a strong sense of justice. Written in close, cinematic prose, Boy Number 32 unfolds in short, pulse-thumping chapters that pull you along through the city’s hidden corners. The book balances action with character, letting Battees and Goongi grow closer as they chase clues, confront danger, and outsmart a relentless terrorist. The reader follows a journey through Mumbai’s shadowy underbelly, meeting unforgettable figures and discovering resilience in unlikely friendships. The experience is immersive and accessible, with clear stakes, vivid settings, and a pace that never slows. Because Goongi cannot speak, much of the story is told through action, memory, and the subtle ways courage appears when words fail. This makes the suspense feel intimate and personal, inviting readers to piece together the clues alongside the protagonists. If you like stories where danger rouses courage and small acts of trust lead to big outcomes, Boy Number 32 delivers that mix with energy and heart. High-stakes mystery set against Mumbai’s bustling streets and hidden corners Dynamic duo: a brave orphan and a mute companion who prompts empathy and resourcefulness Vivid encounters with colorful figures such as the Eunuch Queen and the Beggar King Fast-paced, cinematic writing that keeps you turning pages Themes of resilience, friendship, and justice in the face of danger After finishing Boy Number 32, readers gain a sense of courage and justice, having walked through a city’s dark corners with Battees and Goongi. The book leaves them feeling hopeful, thoughtful, and ready to stand up for what’s right, long after the last page is turned.

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